Obituary of John Campbell Beaton

JOHN CAMPBELL (CAM) BEATON

Cam died peacefully on Saturday, January 8 2022, just days before his 95th birthday. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary Milburn Beaton, and loving father of Catherine Dixon Beaton (deceased) and (Mary) Barbara Beaton, son-in-law Gene Hugo, and devoted grandfather to Johanna Hugo. Dearly loved brother of W. Douglas and Linda Beaton of London, Ontario (Doug, Lesley, Heather, Iain and their families), and brother-in-law to Tom and the late Allison Milburn of Toronto, Ontario (Susan, Margaret, Ann and their families), and the late Donald and late Amy Milburn of Peterborough, Ontario (Thomas, Jane and their families). He was predeceased by his parents, John William and Edith Dixon Beaton.

Born in Passaic, New Jersey, Cam and his family moved often during his childhood to cities including Montreal, Peterborough and then Toronto.  Cam graduated from Lawrence Park Collegiate in Toronto and then went to the Ontario Agricultural College (O.A.C. 1951) at the University of Guelph where he developed a strong fellowship of lifelong friends.  It was at the University of Guelph where he met his Mary (MacDonald Institute, 1953) and they were married in May 1954.  Cam and Mary bought a home in the newly developed Don Mills and were joined by Mary’s brother, Tom and his wife Allison, two doors down. The two families grew up together sharing a lifetime of memories. Cam worked in the field of marketing and advertising for several companies in his work career including the Noxema Chemical Company. Cam and Mary were committed members of the Donway Covenant Church where they were actively involved with the Social Committee and he served as the Church Treasurer. Cam was also an active member of the Don Mills Kiwanis Club.

Cam and Mary created a loving and experience-rich environment to raise their girls. Cam was a lover of the outdoors and enjoyed canvas tent/trailer camping, joining friends and family on memorable vacations. He instilled the love of swimming and canoeing to his daughters, nieces and nephews and was known for his early morning swims. Cam loved to bird watch.  He and his binoculars were often missing early in the morning at the Peterborough Milburn-Beaton family cottage. He enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening both at home and at the cottage.  He was even found nurturing tomato plants at his retirement home last summer.  Time at the Peterborough farm with Don and Amy Milburn and their family was treasured, as were visits with the Beaton family during Christmas and summer times.  Cam and Mary loved to travel and shared many adventures with family and friends. He would likely say his favourite trip was to Yellowknife, NT to visit his granddaughter on the day of her birth. Cam enjoyed reading the newspaper, walking, and exercising well into his 90s. Cam was a devoted husband to Mary, gently caring for her, especially as her health failed.

Cam was a true gentleman and will be remembered by his quiet spirit, warm smile, and optimistic outlook. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Thank you to Revera Donway Place and Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) Staff, Dr. Eric Stutz, and Dr. Jamie Speigelman for their respectful care.

A memorial service will be planned for a later date.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation, Sunnybrook Foundation Odette Cancer Centre or Myeloma Canada. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

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